On Aug. 20, the minister for infrastructure faced tough questions in Parliament regarding delays in funding to successful applicants of the Growing Regions Program.
During Question Time, Dr. Helen Haines, the “teal” member for Indi, demanded an explanation from the government, stating that the program, which opened for applications in July, has left regional communities waiting for much-needed funding, with no announcements yet made, even though successful projects were revealed in May.
Minister Catherine King defended the delays, stating that the government is committed to building greater transparency and integrity into the grants program.
“Round One of the Growing Regions Program is delivering 40 community infrastructure projects across regional Australia, including the Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub, the Mission Beach Town Upgrade, the Kununurra Runway Extension, and the Swan Hill Reinvigorating Our Riverfront Project,” the Labor minister said.
She mentioned that her government was implementing a rigorous selection process for the projects, which was carefully conducted according to grant guidelines without the influence of secret ministerial panels.
The process, the minister explained, involved a multi-party disciplinary panel, of which the opposition was also a member.
“We are now working closely with state and territory governments to establish a partnership arrangement to deliver the Growing Regions Program. The Australian government will fund state and territory governments to work with approved applicants to prepare and execute a funding agreement and make payments based on agreed milestones.”
She further explained that it is standard practice for Australian government programs to require a funding agreement with agreed payment milestones before payments are made.
“This prudent financial management system helps ensure delivery success,” she said.
Taking this as an opportunity to criticise the opposition, the minister said all communities—whether in regions or suburbs—will have access to an open and competitive community infrastructure program for the first time.
“We are putting integrity back into the grant system and cleaning up the mess that was left by those opposite,” she said, criticising the previous government for its handling of community grants, citing issues such as “color-coded spreadsheets” and a lack of transparency.
The Australian government has committed $600 million over four years, commencing in 2023-24, for the Growing Regions Program to deliver investment in infrastructure across Australia’s regional remote areas.
The program provides funding of between $500,000 and $15 million to local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations for capital works projects that will enhance livability, and support local amenities.
